Responsibilities

NECA's role in the standards development process is important to the electrical industry, as it has been for over one hundred years. NECA is the voice of installers and maintainers at the NEC hearings and is a vital part of developing Code rules that are understandable, practical, and enforceable. NECA takes this responsibility very seriously and values the opportunity to serve the industry working with NFPA in the development of the NEC and other key electrical industry standards.

The NECA representatives are appointed to technical committees to represent the interests of the electrical contractor in electrical code and standard development. NECA representatives provide the voice of electrical contractors including installers and maintainers. The NFPA technical committee membership classification of NECA representatives is I/M, which stands for Installer/Maintainer. This classification provides representation of entities in the business of installing or maintaining a product, assembly, or system affected by the standard. The NECA representatives are responsible for taking part in the discussions and debates at the meetings and hearings of the committee during the cycle of development. NECA representatives participate in this open consensus process and vote in the best interest of electrical contractors and their employees.

The Sequence of Events Leading to Issuance of an NFPA Committee Document

Call for public input

First draft meeting & report

Second draft meeting & report

Association technical session

Standards Council Issuance

NECA is proactive and involved in the NEC® development process with representation on each NEC® Code-making panel. It is important in the development of good Code to include the views and perspectives of the electrical contracting industry especially installers and maintainers which is the committee membership classification held by NECA. This investment in NECA time a resources is important and the Code is better because we are there where the rules are being made.

Many in the electrical industry are quick to complain about regulations and Code rules but never get involved in the process. The NEC® development process allows anyone interested in improving the electrical Code an opportunity to make a difference. Get involved in your industry! The NEC® is our Code.